Preston Stoutt, an independent candidate who launched his campaign for an at-large seat in March, announced Monday that he will run for the First District seat instead.
Mr. Stoutt, a first-time candidate whose father H. Lavity Stoutt was first elected to represent the First District in 1957, said he hadn’t planned the change, but after repeated requests from members of his committee, he decided to make the switch.
“Those voices in recent weeks have become even louder, and it is a calling that can no longer be ignored. The people are speaking, and I am sticking with my commitment to listen to them,” Mr. Stoutt said in a release issued Monday.
The candidate reiterated his decision to remain an independent.
“It is important to note that this campaign is still and will remain independent as no alliances have been discussed, formed or agreed to with any other faction. Our only alliance is with the people directly,” he said.
Speaking by phone Monday, Mr. Stoutt said that most requests he’s received have been for “fair representation.”
“The main cry was that everyone needs to have a fair distribution of work,” Mr. Stoutt said. “They just want to have their voices heard.”